Ranny Parker

Mr. Ranny Parker, 70, of Woodbury passed away on February 8, 2015. He was born in Woodbury, TN on April 30, 1944. He was preceded in death by his father, Beecher Parker; a brother, Nicky Parker; a sister, Myrna Parker and a special friend, Donnie Sissom. He is survived by his mother, Lorene Parker of San Diego, CA; sister-in-law, Joyce Parker of Woodbury; nephews, Allen & Stephanie Parker of Centertown and Jeffery Parker of Florida; great nephew, A. J. Parker; caretaker, friend and cousin, Jim & Renea Sabia of Woodbury; two uncles, Leo Parker and Elvin Parker and several other cousins. Ranny lived in Woodbury his whole life. He was born with a physical disability that affected his legs. Even with the challenges in his life he always kept a smile. His father taught him to play the mandolin. He was also gifted to be able to sing. He was named the Easter Seals Child in 1955. His talent for music paired with his upbeat personality allowed him the opportunity to meet many people. In his time with Easter Seals he was able to perform on the Grand Ole Opry. He met many country music stars including Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl and Rod Brasfield. He also met lawmakers of the time including the Governor of Tennessee, Speaker of the House, State Representative Jim Cummings and many others. He performed "Open Your Heart And Let The Sun Shine In." It became his unofficial motto for life. His attitude was to always be happy, have a smile and do the best you can with everything. His father owned Parker’s Motors.  Ranny was known to love cars and would help sell cars at the lot. Ranny enjoyed traveling. He and his cousin Jim went many different places such as, Las Vegas, New York and the Grand Canyon. He was a member of the Midway Church of Christ. Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Friday, February 13, 2015 from 5-8 pm. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 11 am in the Smith Funeral Home chapel. Bro. Bobby Wheeler will officiate. Interment will be in Midway Cemetery. "Open Your Heart" and share memories and condolences on the guestbook page of www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net   Smith Funeral Home, (615)563-5337